Campground

Old Cavern RV Park

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Sunset washes the campground at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, with RVs and trees lining the dirt site

Alright, Old Cavern RV Park is a big-rig friendly base near Carlsbad Caverns. There are 126 sites with full hookups, potable water, 30/50 amp service, and 110 outlets. Pads are level gravel with grills and picnic tables, and pets are welcome in a fenced grassy area. The park is gated with 24/7 cameras, office hours 8-6 on weekdays, and town services like Dollar General and Walmart are nearby.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Direct booking via phone or email
Reservation Tips
Call or email for direct booking; reserve ahead if possible; walk-ins may be possible
Season Dates
Year-round (no closure dates listed)
Per Night Cost
$50/night (per review); monthly rates advertised with utilities included

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Direct booking via phone or email
Reservation Tips
Call or email for direct booking; reserve ahead if possible; walk-ins may be possible
Season Dates
Year-round (no closure dates listed)
Per Night Cost
$50/night (per review); monthly rates advertised with utilities included

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
126
Site Types
Primarily RV sites
RV Max Length
Big Rig Friendly; no explicit max length provided
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Full hookups (water, sewer, 30/50 amp); 110 outlets available
Site Features
level gravel pads, outdoor grills, picnic tables, fire rings provided, fenced grassy pet area
Ground Type
Gravel
Site Privacy
Spacious sites with room for RVs and multiple vehicles; low highway noise

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Modern restrooms
Showers Available
Yes; included with stay
Potable Water
Potable water at sites
Dump Station
On-site dump station
Trash Service
Trash facilities available
Camp Store
No on-site store; Dollar General and Walmart nearby
Cell Service
Fiber optic internet; carrier details not listed
Nearby Facilities
Dollar General 2 minutes south; Walmart 8 minutes south

Access

Road Type
Roads described as well-lit; surface type not specified
Vehicle Restrictions
No explicit limits noted
Clearance Needed
Big Rig Friendly; no explicit max clearance
Gate Hours
Office hours Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; gate hours not published
Distance From Entrance
30 miles (approx 30 minutes)

Rules & safety

Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leash 6 ft; do not leave unattended; fenced dog park
Quiet Hours
Evening quiet; no published times
Max Stay Limit
Longer stays possible via monthly rates; day limits unknown
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Fishing; dog park
Trailheads Nearby
No trailheads listed within campground
Fishing Details
Fishing mentioned; species not listed
Shade Coverage
Some shade from mature trees
Scenic Views
Trees and open lawns; park surroundings
Noise Level
Low
Vibe Check
This is a functional basecamp near a national park, not a remote wilderness retreat. It’s clean and convenient with reliable internet and nearby services, but don’t expect forest solitude or isolation.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You need full hookups, big-rig friendly sites, and fiber internet near Carlsbad Caverns. ❌ SKIP IF: You’re seeking a remote, backcountry vibe with no nearby services.
Tips Advice
  • Reserve direct by phone or email; walk-ins possible but not guaranteed
  • Bring groceries; nearby Dollar General and Walmart
  • Plan a ~30-minute drive to Carlsbad Caverns; stock up in town
  • Leash dogs; use the fenced dog park; observe quiet hours

More details

Park Area
Carlsbad Caverns National Park area, New Mexico
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly with dog park; spacious sites
Nearby Attractions
Carlsbad Caverns National Park (~30 miles)
Terrain Type
Level gravel pads; mature trees; open lawns
Setup Strategy
Expect a fenced park with 126 sites; internal roads are well-lit and pads are level gravel. The site accommodates big rigs and up to two extra vehicles; plan to back in if needed since explicit pull-throughs aren’t specified. Check-in during office hours and enjoy the proximity to town and the Caverns.
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower facilities are solid and included; laundry details are not specified.
Review Summary
Campers praise a big-rig friendly layout, reliable full hookups, and quiet grounds near Carlsbad Caverns. The owner is accommodating, and fiber internet is a welcome perk, with year-round access and nearby shopping adding convenience.

Location

Old Cavern RV Park shelter at Carlsbad Caverns National Park sits beside a white metal building under a blue sky.RV campground row at Old Cavern RV Park near Carlsbad Caverns National Park, bathed in warm desert sunset.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bear boxes or food storage requirements?

Bear-country status and specific food storage rules are not listed; plan accordingly and store food securely.

Is a reservation required or are walk-ins allowed?

Direct booking by phone or email is available; walk-ins may be possible but aren’t guaranteed.

What are the rig length limits?

No explicit max length is provided; the park is described as big-rig friendly with ample space.

What about quiet hours?

Quiet hours are described as evenings, but exact times aren’t published.

Is there an on-site store or fuel available?

There is no on-site store; Dollar General and Walmart are nearby for supplies.

Chosa Campground

Free dry camping near Carlsbad Caverns; large gravel lot, no hookups.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.